What does Cesarean section mean?

A Cesarean section is also known as:
• C-section
• Caesarian section
• Cesarean section
• Caesar
A C-Section is a surgical procedure.

Overview of Cesarean section

• This is a procedure wherein either one or more than one cut or incision is made on the abdomen of pregnant women who is ready for delivery.
• This is also known as laparotomy when the incision is made on the abdomen.
• It is known as hysterotomy when the incision is made on uterus to deliver babies when it can be one or more than one.
• It is rarely used for removing fetus that is expired.
• Sometimes it is used for late time abortions.
• Such a C- section is termed a hysterotomy abortion.
• The first modern Caesarean section was done by a German gynecologist named Ferdinand Adolf Kehrer in 1881.
• A C-section is done mostly when a normal or a vaginal delivery becomes difficult or where there is a risk to either mother or baby or both.
• At present, it is also done on request.
• Elective cesarean is said to be harmful to both mother and baby and hence it is non-medical to perform C-Section before 39 weeks.

Types of Cesarean section

• There are many types of C section.
• The difference is made on the cut location.
• It depends whether the cut is made on or apart from uterus.
• The classical C section makes a mid-line longitudinal incision.
• It is done so for more space availability for the baby’s delivery.
• This is avoided mostly today due to health complications.• The common C-Section used today is the lower uterine segment section.
• This is where a transverse incision is done which is just above the edge of the bladder.
• This helps in less blood loss.
• It is also easier to repair.
• A crash or emergency C-section is done in an obstetric emergency.
• This is done where there is risk of death of mother or baby or both involved.
• A planned caesarean which is also known as elective C-Section is done either for medical reasons or being close to due date.
• A C hysterectomy involves a C-section followed by the removal of the uterus.
• This is done in the case of intractable bleeding.
• This is also done when the placenta cannot be separated from the uterus.

Other forms of C section
• Extraperitoneal Caesarean section
• Porro Caesarean section.
• C section can be done with single or double layer suturing of the uterine cut.

How is Anesthesia given in Cesarean section?

• Anesthesia can be given in two types.
• They are general and regional.
• This is either the whole body is put to unconsciousness which is general anesthesia or a part of the body where in the surgery has to performed which is called local or regional anesthesia.
• In a C-Section a local anesthesia helps in the interaction of mother and baby immediately after the delivery.
• Regional anesthesia includes spinal, epidural or both.